mma

Join 411’s LIVE UFC 256 Coverage

December 12, 2020 | Posted by Robert Winfree
UFC 256

Keep Refreshing For The Latest Results

MAIN CARD (Pay-per-view, 10 p.m. ET)
Champ Deiveson Figueiredo (124.5 lbs.) vs. #1 Brandon Moreno (124.5 lbs.) – for flyweight title
#3 Tony Ferguson (155 lbs.) vs. #7 Charles Oliveira (154.5 lbs.)
#11 Mackenzie Dern (115 lbs.) vs. #13 Virna Jandiroba (115 lbs.)
#15 Kevin Holland (185 lbs.) vs. Ronaldo Souza (185.5 lbs.)
#7 Junior Dos Santos (246.5 lbs.) vs. #14 Ciryl Gane (247.5 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN2, ESPN+, 8 p.m. ET)
Daniel Pineda (145.5 lbs.) vs. Cub Swanson (145 lbs.)
Rafael Fiziev (155.5 lbs.) vs. Renato “Moicano” Carneiro (155 lbs.)
Billy Quarantillo (145.5 lbs.) vs. Gavin Tucker (146 lbs.)
Sam Hughes (115.5 lbs.) vs. #10 Tecia Torres (115.5 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN+, 7:30 p.m. ET)
Peter Barrett (145.5 lbs.) vs. Chase Hooper (145.5 lbs.)

Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC 256. I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host, relaying all of the action to you just as I see it. Tonight we have the final PPV for 2020, a year I’m sure most people are ready to see the back of. Our main event is a late replacement, originally this was supposed to be a bantamweight title fight between champion Petr Yan and Aljamain Sterling, but that was called off due to personal reasons from Yan and instead we’re getting the fastest turnaround in UFC championship history. Flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo fought just 3 weeks ago and defended his title, now he’s battling number one contender Brandon Moreno (Moreno and Figueiredo fought on the same card) trying to take sole possession of second most flyweight title defenses in UFC history with 2. We’ve also got the return of Tony Ferguson as he’ll battle surging contender Charles Oliveira for position in the lightweight title picture. There’s a surprising amount of value on this card, former heavyweight champion Junior dos Santos takes on rising contender Ciryl Gane, and on the prelims Cub Swanson vs. Daniel Pineda should be good fun. Heck, Rafael Fiziev vs. Renato Moicano has “certified banger” written all over it on paper. So let’s hope things hold together.

UFC 256 comes to the world from the UFC APEX facility in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. On commentary we have Jon Anik, Joe Rogan, and Daniel Cormier with Megan Olivi doing the sideline reporting and Trevor Wittman chiming in on occasion. As for the rules, Nevada has adopted most except the downed fighter rule, you still just need one hand or fist on the mat to be considered downed. We also have a replay official outside of the cage who can ask for instant replay (as can the in cage ref) and the fight can be restarted after instant replay if that’s applicable. Final note, per usual we’re in the smaller 25 foot diameter Octagon instead of the 30 footer.

Chase Hooper is coming off of his first professional loss when he had basically nothing in his fight with Alex Caceres, he’s trying to bounce back here and get his UFC record above the .500 mark. Peter Barrett lost his UFC debut a few months back, he’s after that all important first UFC win. The odds are with Hooper at -310 to a +250 comeback on Barrett.

Featherweight Bout: Peter Barrett (11-4, 145.5 lbs.) vs. Chase Hooper (9-1-1, 145.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Hooper is three inches taller, has just one inch of reach advantage, and is 13 years younger. Both men come out southpaw. Barrett showing the lead hand, and feinting with the hips as well. Hooper misses a few kicks. Barrett avoids a takedown attempt and lands a leg kick. Some leg kicks go back and forth, Barrett is the harder kicker. Jabs from Barrett, Hooper lands a leg kick. The straight punches from Barrett are landing, Hooper isn’t moving his head almost at all during exchanges. Hooper lands a left. Bit of a low blow to Hooper, both men were kicking at the same time, so we’ve got time for him to recover. It takes about 30 seconds, but Hooper is able to continue. Barrett back to landing leg kicks, then a body kick. Barrett lands a left. Hooper is getting backed up constantly. They kick at the same time again, this time it’s Barrett who takes the shot the groin and will get time to recover. Takes 40 seconds but Barrett can continue. Forward pressure from Barrett, shame he’s not back on the body attacks as that one he landed hurt. Hooper ducks under a punch and tries a single leg, Barrett defending along the fence. Some elbows to the head and shoulder from Barrett as he’s defending. Hooper pulls guard, dives under for a heel hook but wont get it before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Barrett

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the second round. Barrett coming forward yet again. Hooper lands a jab, and eats a leg kick. Calf kick from Barrett. Long left from Hooper but the leg kicks from Barrett are hurting Hooper. Hooper’s right leg is definitely hurt. Barrett with a couple of hooks then a body shot and a calf kick. Hooper tries to pull guard, Barrett disengages and makes him stand up. Another leg kick from Barrett. Hooper lands a jab but he’s struggling with that leg. Barrett lands a leg kick and a one two then avoids a takedown attempt. Hooper with an Imanari roll, he’s able to finish it and get into donkey guard. Barrett fights the hands to help protect himself. Barrett spins free and separates. Hooper with a left then takes another leg kick. Orthodox now for Hooper to try and protect his leg. Right hook from Barrett stuns Hooper and closes the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Barrett, 20-18 Barrett overall

ROUND THREE: Barrett coming forward again, Hooper trying side kicks. Hooper avoids a leg kick. They trade jabs. Hooper is checking the leg kicks now, pity Barrett hasn’t used that to set up a different kind of kick. Hard right from Barrett lands. Another Imanari roll from Hooper, he’s after the right leg of Barrett now from 50-50 guard. Some lefts from Hooper but he’s not really finding an avenue to really attack that leg. Hooper tries to switch from inside heel hook to traditional, that leg is caught much deeper now. Hooper gets the heel hook and Barrett has to tap.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Chase Hooper via Submission, heel hook, at 3:02 of Round 3

The Final Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Hooper for his work this evening. Mic time for Hooper, he’s ecstatic to get the win and feels he’s got his mojo back. He says his right leg was hurt but he felt OK mentally dealing with them. He talks us through the finish, putting over some training he did with Ryan Hall to help him get that sequence. Hard to find better than Hall to help you with your grappling. Asked about being young and learning he notes he’s not near his physical prime at just barely 21 so he’s got to sharpen technically while his body matures.

Some nice stuff from Hooper on the mat, he tries the inside heel hook first but the leg isn’t deep enough past the hips. As Hooper switches the leg to the other side he scoots his hips forward and locks down the knee line, hooks the heel and forces the submission. Oh, apparently that’s the first heel hook in UFC featherweight history.

Tecia Torres just broke a four fight losing streak when she got a decision over Brianna Van Buren, she’s now trying to get her first winning streak since 2017 while proving she can still be a relevant fighter in the division. Sam Hughes took this fight on about a weeks notice when Angela Hill fell out of the fight, she’s coming off of a win though and could score a big win over a tested veteran in her UFC debut. Torres is a big -650 favorite to a +475 comeback on Hughes.

Strawweight Bout: Sam Hughes (5-1, 115.5 lbs.) vs. #10 Tecia Torres (11-5, 115.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Hughes is four inches taller and has three and a half inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Hughes showing leg kicks early. Torres lands a right to the body. Right from Torres. Torres lands a combination, she’s pushing forward with a flurry before they clinch up. Hughes has Torres in the fence and is landing some body shots. Torres spins free and they trade jabs. Combination from Torres, when she’s going forward Hughes doesn’t have much defense. Superman punch from Torres lands. Hughes lands a body kick. Jab from Hughes. Torres lands a leg kick. A couple of body shots from Torres, her pace is non-stop and is wiling Hughes. Torres avoids a superman punch and nearly lands a head kick. Hughes lands a leg kick. Bit of a right from Hughes, then she avoids a few blows. Torres tosses Hughes down for a second, lands some punches. Knee from Torres then a right hand as well. High angle double leg slam from Torres just as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Torres, but that’s a marginal call

ROUND TWO: This one is over, Hughes can’t see out of her left eye and the doctor is waving this off.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Tecia Torres via TKO, doctor stoppage, at 5:00 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Ms. Torres for her work this evening. That was a whuppin’, Hughes was way out of her depth right now. Mic time for Torres, she’s excited to have finally showed off what she used to be in terms of performance. Asked about the change in opponents she really wanted that rematch with Hill but is grateful for the fight after most of the available ranked opponents didn’t accept. She wants a top ten opponent next, and would like to fight for the title sooner rather than later.

Gavin Tucker has gone 3-1 in the UFC, he’s on a two fight winning streak though and is hoping to start making the move from prospect to contender with another win here. Billy Quarantillo has gone 3-0 in the UFC and is similarly trying to start the difficult transition from prospect to legitimate contender. Quarantillo is a slight -180 favorite to +155 for Tucker.

Featherweight Bout: Billy Quarantillo (15-2, 145.5 lbs.) vs. Gavin Tucker (12-1, 146 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Quarantillo is three and a half inches taller and has four inches of reach advantage. Southpaw for Tucker, and they touch gloves to get us going. Both men land leg kicks early. Body kick from Quarantillo. Tucker lands an inside leg kick. Bit of a shifting right from Tucker. Quarantillo lands a right, he follows that up with a left body kick and Tucker forces a clinch. Knees from Quarantillo, he lands an elbow but Tucker gets a trip to land on top. Quarantillo back up immediately and they separate. Bit of a right from Tucker. Tucker lands a calf kick. Quarantillo is landing front kicks to the body, he lands a follow up right and they clinch. Both men land knees, Tucker with an elbow as they break. Tucker lands a glancing left and clinches up again. They break after a bit, then Quarantillo lands another front kick to the body. Short elbow from Tucker, then a right hook as well. Quarantillo kicks the body again, he’s trying to wear down Tucker with the pace and body work. Another clinch from Tucker, but nothing comes of it before they break. Shifting right from Tucker lands flush. Quarantillo lands a right, and clinches again but Tucker gets free quickly. Tucker lands a knee to the body in close. Some lefts from Quarantillo, Tucker lands a body kick. They trade knees to the body in close then break. Stiff left hook from Quarantillo, but Tucker just eats it. Tucker lands a head kick, Quarantillo just eats it. Quarantillo tries a single leg against the fence, Tucker defends. Punches from Quarantillo, Tucker gets a trip takedown into side control as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Tucker but could go either way

ROUND TWO: Both men land punches as the round starts. More body kicks from Quarantillo, he’s getting to Tucker more and more. Tucker lands a couple of lefts. They clinch, then break. Tucker lands a knee to the body. Right to the body from Quarantillo, then some punches. One two from Tucker. Knees go back and forth, then a left elbow from Tucker as they clinch. Quarantillo pushes free, they trade knees to the body. Lead hand work from both men, then they trade rights. More knees to the body are traded. Another clinch, knees are traded then they break. Tucker lands a left. Quarantillo with a right in close. Left hook from Quarantillo, Tucker with a three punch counter combination. Quarantillo gets a clinch and lands three knees to the body before they hit the fence. Tucker with a go behind to a rear waist lock, Quarantillo tries to come around on a single leg and they wind up breaking. Right from Quarantillo, Tucker gets a body lock takedown into side control. Tucker gets the ride position, then both hooks in for full back mount. Quarantillo spins into him, Tucker back up and they separate. Tucker lands a straight left. Both men with knees to the body. Another knee to the body from Quarantillo. Another clinch, and a knee from Quarantillo closes the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Tucker, 20-18 Tucker overall

ROUND THREE: Quarantillo coming forward, misses a right and Tucker lands a couple of counters. Tucker’s technique is pulling him away from Quarantillo. They clinch up, takedown from Tucker but Quarantillo is back up. They wind up separating. Both men with body shots as they clinch again and break. Counter left from Tucker, then a stiff right as he darts. Knee from Quarantillo in close, Tucker knees the head and gets a double leg after a scramble. Tucker stands over Quarantillo, and passes to half guard. They reach the fence, Tucker moves to the ride position. Quarantillo back up though and they break. There’s an accidental clash of heads, and Tucker blocks a right. More knees are traded, then Quarantillo lands a right. Quarantillo gets to the back standing, Tucker gets chest to chest. Both men land jabs as they break. Takedown from Tucker into the guard of Quarantillo. Tucker spins towards the back as they stand, he gets a takedown into side control. Knee on belly from Tucker, he lands punches. Tucker passes to side control, Quarantillo wall walks. Body shots from Quarantillo then they break. Right from Quarantillo, another clinch and they trade knees to the body. Tucker gets another takedown into the guard, and he’s going to ice the round here.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Tucker, 30-27 Tucker overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Gavin Tucker via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

That was a heck of a scrap, kudos to both men. On any other card that would be a front runner for Fight of the Night, but there’s a lot of action still set to come on this card. Mic time for Tucker, he really wanted this fight and puts over Quarantillo and the fight. He says his toolbox is getting even deeper, and notes that Quarantillo is an awkward fighter and he had to fight around that.

Renato Moicano just broke a two fight losing streak when he moved up to lightweight, now he’s trying to get a winning streak going in his new division. Rafael Fiziev has gone 2-1 in the UFC but is on a two fight winning streak, he could score one of the bigger wins of his career here and start moving towards ranked opposition in the deepest division in the sport. The odds are with Fiziev at -135 to a tempting +115 comeback on Moicano.

Lightweight Bout: Rafael Fiziev (8-1, 155.5 lbs.) vs. Renato Moicano (14-3-1, 155 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Moicano is three inches taller but has just half an inch of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Both men light on their feet and moving around. Fiziev lands a calf kick. Both men showing some stance switches. Jab from Moicano lands. Another calf kick from Fiziev. Both men fall short with power hand punches, then Fiziev lands a couple of lead leg body kicks. Moicano checks a calf kick but his calf is discolored already. Fiziev lands a calf kick. Moicano lands another jab, but eats some inside leg kicks. Fiziev chains together his kicks incredibly quickly, he lands to the inside leg and then body. Jabs are traded, Moicano lands a right to counter a body kick. Moicano tries a double leg but Fiziev defends. Right from Moicano. Fiziev lands a left to the body. Hard right from Fiziev. Fiziev lands a left body kick, then tosses Moicano away when he tries to pull guard. Left to the body, right hook, and another left hook from Fiziev floor Moicano and the ref dives in to stop this. Moicano protests a bit but that seems good to me.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Rafael Fiziev via KO, punches, at 4:05 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Fiziev for his work this evening. Mic time for Fiziev, he doesn’t know what to say after saying everything he just did in the cage. He talks about how hard he’s worked for this one, then warns the lightweight division to train more because he’s coming. He wishes Happy Birthday to his brother to close.

I mean just look at this combination, and the slightly delayed timing on the left hook that ends it. Fiziev on the feet is a serious problem for anyone in that division.

Cub Swanson just broke a four fight losing streak when he bested Kron Gracie, he’s looking for his first winning streak since 2017 and hoping to further stave off talk of retirement given his lengthy career and recent down turn. Daniel Pineda scored a pretty gnarly finish when he returned to the UFC a few months ago, this would be the biggest win of his career though given the respect Swanson has earned. The odds are with Pineda at -170 to Swanson’s +145.

Featherweight Bout: Daniel Pineda (27-13 3 NC, 145.5 lbs.) vs. Cub Swanson (26-11, 145 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Swanson has one inch of height and reach over Pineda. They touch gloves to get us going. Both men feinting early, Swanson avoids a high kick. Leg kick from Pineda, then he checks one. Swanson clinches up, they trade knees to the body then separate as Pineda lands a left hook. Pineda avoids a right hook, Swanson is doing a lot of shifting now. Calf kick from Pineda then a right. They trade punches, Pineda lands another calf kick. One more calf kick from Pineda, Swanson is feeling those already. Southpaw for Swanson now, he lands a left. Swanson keeps trying to dart off of a straight left, Pineda kicks his calf again in motion. Right from Swanson, another kick from Pineda but he slips and Swanson gets on top in the 50-50 guard. Swanson gets his leg free and gets on top in guard. Some elbows from Pineda. Swanson is trying to pass, Pineda gets full guard, there’s a triangle, switches to an armbar but Swanson gets free as they stand. Bit of a right from Swanson. Pineda with a calf kick and that leg is hurt. Spinning back kick from Pineda then a double leg, they scramble but Pineda winds up on top. Swanson up and they break. One more calf kick from Pineda but Swanson lands a right to stagger him. More rights from Swanson, Pineda is hurt as he tries to regain himself but Swanson’s leg is limiting his offense. Swanson with some elbows in the clinch as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Swanson

ROUND TWO: Swanson comes out southpaw, Pineda is kicking the body as they start. Left to the body from Swanson. Right from Swanson, then Pineda lands a body kick. Pineda lands a leg kick, then tries a single leg that hits the fence. They settle into the clinch, then break but Swanson lands a right on the way out the floors Pineda. One more right on the ground prompts the stoppage.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Cub Swanson via KO, punches, at 1:52 of Round 2

That was a heck of a three fight stretch to close the prelims. Mic time for Swanson, he jokes that he wants Rogan to keep telling him how great he is. He notes the calf kicks hurt and says his kids motivate him. He talks us through the finish, and felt Pineda’s desire to have Fight of the Night opened the way for him to win on the feet with his speed. To close he’s glad to have spoken with Joe Rogan, and wishes for a Raiders win tomorrow.

Pineda drops his left hand and shoulder trying to exit the pocket, and Swanson drops a right hand bomb across his jaw to close the show.

That really solid three fight set will conclude the preliminary card. On to PPV for the main card.

Junior dos Santos is a former UFC heavyweight champion but that was nine years ago, now he’s on a three fight losing streak and has been finished in the first two rounds in all of those. If dos Santos wants to avoid talk of retirement or possibly being cut he must win here. Ciryl Gane has proven himself one of the better prospects the heavyweight division has had in a few years, he’s gone 3-0 in the UFC thus far and is now poised to get the biggest win of his career over a former champion. Gane is a hefty favorite at -455 to a +355 comeback on dos Santos, the biggest underdog status for dos Santos since his debut against Werdum way back in 2008.

Heavyweight Bout: #7 Junior Dos Santos (21-8, 246.5 lbs.) vs. #14 Ciryl Gane (6-0, 247.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height but Gane has four inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. A few feints from both men. Neither man lands but they’re probing with jabs now. Gane lands an inside leg kick. Gane gets a front headlock, drives dos Santos to the fence and lands knees then they break. Southpaw for Gane now, he lands an inside leg kick. Another inside leg kick from Gane, he’s showing a lot of stance switches. Bit of a left from dos Santos. Bit of a body kick from Gane. Dos Santos blocks a high kick. Bit of a right to the body from dos Santos. They trade inside leg kicks. Gane lands a jab. High kick from Gane is partially blocked. Gane avoids a left hook, fires an inside leg kick but that strays into the groin so dos Santos gets time to recover. Dos Santos can continue after about 20 seconds. Gane back to the leg kicks, both inside and outside. Body kick from Gane, that landed flush. Bit of a right hook from Gane. Another body kick from Gane. Dos Santos tries a takedown, Gane defends and is back to kicking. Dos Santos really needs a shift in the range, because at kicking distance he’s getting chewed up. More kicks from Gane, he lands a left to the body but dos Santos counters him with a right. They stare away the final seconds.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Gane

ROUND TWO: Gane pushing dos Santos back as the round starts. Inside leg kick from Gane. Gane with a jab then another inside leg kick. Those leg kicks are starting to add up on dos Santos. Both men miss power hand punches. More inside leg kicks from Gane, he’s also moving well and angling around dos Santos. Body kick from Gane. They clinch, dos Santos lands a right as they get to the fence. They break without incident. Dos Santos blocks a high kick. Along the fence, Gane lands an elbow after a jab that drops dos Santos and a few more blows on the mat end it.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Ciryl Gane via TKO, punches and elbow, at 2:34 of Round 2

Dos Santos complains that the blow was the back of the head, but the blow lands behind the ear and not all the way around towards the brain stem so it’s legal. Mic time for Gane, he thinks the final elbow might have been a bit to the back of the head because dos Santos was turning away. He’s happy to have beaten a legend like dos Santos but he hopes to stay busier going forward.

Here’s the finish, you can decide for yourself but JDS is turning away and if you turn away from a legal blow the fault isn’t on the person attacking.

Kevin Holland took this fight on short notice after a positive Covid test forced him out a fight with Jack Hermansson last week, but he’s won four fights in a row and a win here would be the biggest of his career given the esteem his opponent is held in. Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza is one of the better middleweights the sport has seen, unfortunately injury timing and the general whims of the UFC kept him from ever fighting for the UFC title. Souza has gone just 1-3 in his last four fights and is on a two fight losing streak, given his age and the impending cuts the UFC has announced recently he really can’t afford a loss here. This is a very close fight, but Souza is a slight -115 favorite to -105 for Holland.

Middleweight Bout: #15 Kevin Holland (20-5, 185 lbs.) vs. Ronaldo Souza (26-8 1 NC, 185.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Holland is two inches taller, has nine inches of reach and is 13 years younger. Quick takedown from Souza, into the guard of Holland. Holland tries a triangle choke, when Souza defends and passes he scoots and wall walks but they’re still clinched. Some elbows from Holland, Souza tries a single leg but can’t finish it though they’re still clinched. Takedown from Souza and he lands some punches from the guard of Holland. A couple of rights from Holland, he gets to his knees, Souza is hurt from those punches and he pounds him out. Incredible finish.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Kevin Holland via KO, punches, at 1:45 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Holland for his work this evening. Mic time for Holland, he references the Niko Price hammerfist from the bottom finish. He puts over his coaches, then talks a bit about his preparation. He loves to fight, and wants a fight with Khamzat Chimaev next week to determine which of them has the better 2020 but he thinks Chimaev will probably stay at welterweight.

You rarely see someone find these kinds of openings with power, Holland does so here. Biggest win of his career.

Mackenzie Dern has gone 4-1 in the UFC and is on a two fight winning streak with both wins being first round submissions, Dern has long been a bright prospect but a third consecutive win here might signal her move into the title picture. Virna Jandiroba has gone 2-1 in the UFC but is on a two fight winning streak with both of those being finishes, she’s got a significant opportunity here to set back a fellow rising contender and stake her own claim to the title orbit. The odds are with Dern at -200 to a +160 comeback for Jandiroba.

Strawweight Bout: #11 Mackenzie Dern (9-1, 115 lbs.) vs. #13 Virna Jandiroba (16-1, 115 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Dern is an inch taller while Jandiroba has an inch of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Dern showing the jab early, Jandiroba circling. Bit of a one two from Dern, they clinch and swing wildly then break. Bit of a right from Jandiroba. Both women miss rights. Jandiroba lands a jab. Right from Dern stuns Jandiroba for a second. Another couple of rights from Dern, Jandiroba lands a bit of a middle kick. Jandiroba with a bit of an overhand right. Flurry from Dern, then she tries a single leg against the fence. Jandiroba defends the attempt and they trade some knees. Knees go back and forth, Dern lands a left elbow as they break the clinch. They punch into another clinch. More knees and elbows are traded then they break. Jandiroba lands a one two, Dern with a leg kick. They clinch, trade and the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Dern

ROUND TWO: Dern comes forward with punches, then lands a left as they exit the pocket. Right to the body from Dern. Jandiroba lands a right. Bit of a right from Dern. Jandiroba is starting to get her jab working. Leg kick from Dern, but she’s off balanced and Jandiroba decides not to get into the grappling with Dern. Dern forces a clinch, they trade knees to the body while fighting for position. More knees, and Jandiroba lands a right as they break. They trade in close, Dern landed an uppercut. Another uppercut from Dern lands. Jandiroba takes an eye poke and we’ve got time out for her. Replay confirms the foul. The doctor is in to check on things, but it seems Jandiroba can continue and after a little over a minute we’re back to fighting. Dern jabbing her way in, she lands a few rights then a front kick to the body. Another clinch, Dern is after a takedown but Jandiroba defends. Dern is cut on the bridge of her nose from one of those knees from Jandiroba. Dern jumps for guard, Jandiroba sets her down and we’re grappling. Short elbow from Jandiroba. Dern is trying to angle her hips, she’s after a leg but can’t secure it. The round will end in that spot though.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Jandiroba, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: They hug for the final round. Both women throwing, Dern tries a spinning back fist that misses but lands a stiff jab after. More jabs from Dern, then she tries a single leg that hits the fence. Jandiroba with some elbows while defending. They break without incident. Bit of a right from Dern, they clinch again and Jandiroba lands a high kick as they break. Body kick from Dern. Another jab from Dern. More jabs from Dern, Jandiroba is leaning into those. They trade rights, Dern hurts Jandiroba and goes for a single leg but that stalls out on the fence. Dern gets a trip but can’t secure position and Jandiroba winds up on top in full guard. Jandiroba stands, eats an up kick and makes Dern stand. Some rights in close from Dern, her technique is breaking down but they’re brawling. Elbow from Jandiroba. Dern with another body kick. Hard jab from Dern. Jandiroba avoids a spinning back fist. Dern kicks the body again then lands some jabs. They trade in close, Dern is working uppercuts. Elbows from Jandiroba along the fence, Jandiroba jumps for an armbar, Dern defends and lands some hammer fists from top position as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Dern, 29-28 Dern overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Mackenzie Dern via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Feels like Dern made that harder on herself than she needed to by brawling once Jandiroba hit her a few times. Mic time for Dern after the win, she references the trope of two grapplers winding up striking it out. She hopes her technique has improved, Rogan agrees that it has (for whatever it’s worth so do I as a general note). She believes her nose is broken, and jokes that her coach told her it wasn’t but she knows him well enough to know that means it was. To close she’s happy to have won, and gives love to people in Portuguese.

Tony Ferguson just had his absurd 12 fight winning streak snapped in May when he was battered and eventually finished by Justin Gaethje. Ferguson is trying to rebound from his first loss since 2012 and position himself for what would somewhat shockingly be his first undisputed title shot while avoiding his first ever losing streak. Charles Oliveira is riding a seven fight winning streak with all of those being finishes. He’s coming off of a career best win when he tapped out Kevin Lee back in March and if he can follow that up with a win here he’ll have one of the strongest cases at lightweight to get a title shot. Ferguson is a slight -160 favorite while the +130 payout on Oliveira might tempt a few bettors.

Lightweight Bout: #3 Tony Ferguson (25-4, 155 lbs.) vs. #7 Charles Oliveira (29-8 1 NC, 154.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Ferguson is an inch taller and has two and a half inches of reach over Oliveira. They touch gloves, Ferguson will do a lot of stance switching. Feints from Ferguson early. Oliveira lands a calf kick. Ferguson lands a jab. Bit of a right from Oliveira, he’s coming forward now. Head kick form Oliveira, Ferguson just eats it. Ferguson lands an uppercut and a left hook. Oliveira avoids a left, gets a clinch and then a takedown into side control. Oliveira looks for a headlock sequence, Ferguson gets a butterfly hook in but Oliveira is grape vining the other. Elbow from Oliveira and he passes towards mount. Full mount now for Oliveira. Oliveira keeps trying to attack the arm triangle but Ferguson is defending. Ferguson is just trying to control the posture of Oliveira. Elbow from Oliveira, and another. Oliveira postures up, lands an elbow and tries to attack the arm triangle again but Ferguson is wise to it. Another elbow from Oliveira. Oliveira spins for an armbar, that’s locked in and extended but Ferguson simply refuses to tap before the round ends. That arm might be badly hurt after that.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Oliveira after that armbar

ROUND TWO: Ferguson coming forward again, trying to work his kicks. Oliveira lands a body kick. Ferguson’s left arm is definitely damaged badly. Leg kick from Oliveira. Oliveira catches a kick and gets things down into the guard of Ferguson. Oliveira stacks Ferguson, there’s an illegal up kick from Ferguson and we’ve got time. There’s a cut around the left eye of Oliveira, that was there before the illegal kick, but the ref wants the doctor to look at it. Oliveira says he’s OK, they restart on the ground. Ferguson is trying to work a higher guard, Oliveira stacks him again and lands a hard elbow then passes. Ferguson is trying to scramble but Oliveira passes to side control along the fence. More punches from Oliveira. Ferguson gets a version of donkey guard, Oliveira keeps landing offense. Oliveira passes the guard again and finds a few more punches then passes to north-south. Ferguson might be setting up a buggy choke variation, Oliveira isn’t letting him get the angle though and is landing body shots. The round will end in that spot.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Oliveira if not another 10-8, 20-17 Oliveira overall

ROUND THREE: They trade some kicks then Ferguson lands a right. Oliveira lands a leg kick. They split some jabs, and Oliveira lands another leg kick. Oliveira catches a kick, and gets a high double leg slam then starts passing right away. Nearly mount for Oliveira. Full mount now for Oliveira, his passing is great. Ferguson tries to kick off the fence, Oliveira swaps for a triangle choke, switches to a triangle armbar then abandons that to keep top side control. That was an amazing sequence from Oliveira. Some elbows and hammer fists from Oliveira. They move to north-south, Ferguson tries a d’arce from his back but Oliveira defends easily and gets side control again. Ferguson slips around the back, tries an armbar but Oliveira slams free and is back into side control. Ferguson tries that buggy choke again, but Oliveira is still wise to it and defends. Oliveira moves to leg drag position, lands a knee to the body as well then back to side control. A few more elbows from Oliveira, and that’s where the clock runs down.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Oliveira, 30-26 Oliveira overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Charles Oliveira via unanimous decision (30-26 x3)

That’s arguably 8 rounds dropped in a row by Tony Ferguson. That is not a thing I thought I’d say. Mic time for Oliveira after the best performance of his career, he says he’s the only one who’d fight Ferguson on short notice and plans on fighting for the belt next year. He puts over Ferguson as a champion who wouldn’t quit, then asks who’s dominated Ferguson like that (frankly the answer is no one). Asked about his place in the division and the future he says whoever won this fight would fight for the belt next and he expects the winner of Poirier vs. McGregor to be his next opponent.

Here’s the armbar in the first. I have no earthly idea how Tony didn’t tap, you have to be superhuman to not give it up to this armbar.

Brandon Moreno hasn’t lost since returning to the UFC last year, he’s won his last three fights and finished Brandon Royval three weeks ago to cement his title shot here. Moreno is also trying to become the first native Mexican UFC champion. Deiveson Figueiredo is on a five fight winning streak with the last four of those being finishes. He won the flyweight title earlier this year and is looking for his second title defense, as well as securing sole possession of second most title defenses in flyweight history. He’s also making the fastest turnaround in UFC championship history as he beat Alex Perez just three weeks ago. Figueiredo is the favorite at -335 to a +250 comeback on Moreno.

Flyweight Title Bout: (c) Deiveson Figueiredo (20-1, 124.5 lbs.) vs. #1 Brandon Moreno (18-5-1, 124.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Moreno has two inches of height and reach over Figueiredo. Figueiredo opens with a spinning back kick to the body. Stiff left hook from Figueiredo, Moreno lands a left. Figueiredo gets a clinch, Moreno gets the body lock though and spins him to the fence. Moreno towards the back, Figueiredo scrambles and kicks him off so they reset on the feet. Figueiredo is avoiding the jab of Moreno. Right to the body from Figueiredo. Moreno with a left to the body then a left hook, but he’s bleeding around the mouth. Glancing right from Figueiredo. Apologies, that’s not blood just some discoloration. Figueiredo with a left to the body. Calf kick from Figueiredo. Hard jab from Figueiredo. Moreno avoids a clinch, but gets tagged with a left hook. Figueiredo avoids a head kick, Moreno slips and Figueiredo gets on top, standing over him. Moreno picks the ankle of Figueiredo and uses that to reset on the feet. Bit of a right from Figueiredo to counter the Moreno jab. Figueiredo goes southpaw, lands a body kick then a left hook. Back to orthodox now, and Figueiredo lands a right. They’re trading in close, both men also investing in body work early. Moreno lands a jab. They split jabs, Figueiredo lands an elbow in close then they trade lefts exiting a clinch. Moreno head kick is barely blocked. Head kick from Figueiredo then a right, Moreno is game but a little out matched in pure power. Figueiredo with a body shot then an elbow. Figueiredo is stalking Moreno down, lands a right. They split jabs again, that will be the last exchange of the round. Crazy round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Figueiredo

ROUND TWO: More forward pressure from Figueiredo. Bit of a right from Moreno. Figueiredo hanging out southpaw to land body kicks, and he does here then lands a spinning back kick to the body that lands flush. Moreno with a left to the body then a left hook. Figueiredo lands a couple of leg kicks. They trade some jabs, Moreno digs a left to the body. Figueiredo lands a flush right then digs several body shots. Moreno hits the body as well. Hard jab from Figueiredo then a calf kick. They clinch, Moreno gets a trip takedown into the guard but Figueiredo escapes up and Moreno gets a finger to the eye along the way so we’ve got time. Replay confirms the poke, Moreno can continue and the ref resets them on the ground. Figueiredo scrambles up and they trade punches in the pocket for a few seconds. Right from Figueiredo, he’s stalking Moreno down again. Moreno is game and in this but Figueiredo is a marauder in there. Left hook from Figueiredo lands. Figueiredo lands a left body kick, Moreno with a right that seems to stun him for a second. Moreno with a calf kick then a jab. Combination from Figueiredo in close, then a follow up. Moreno gets a body lock takedown to stifle that momentum. Figueiredo fights up quickly and lands a clubbing right. They trade again, Moreno lands a jab as the last blow of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Figueiredo but could go either way, 20-18 Figueiredo overall

ROUND THREE: Moreno’s right eye is swelling, he took some hard punches in the last round, not enough to stop the fight yet but it bears watching. Figueiredo coming forward again, lands a right and a left hook. Left head kick from Figueiredo, Moreno catches it and lands a head kick of his own. Figueiredo coming forward almost recklessly now, he hits the body a few times along the fence. Left hook then a body shot from Figueiredo. Elbow from Figueiredo, Moreno lands a counter, he just wont go away. Figueiredo with a front kick to the body, Moreno’s body is hurt. They clinch again, Moreno looking for a takedown but Figueiredo is defending this time. They break without incident, and Figueiredo is pulling a Michael Myers just walking forward relentlessly. Moreno with a jab, misses a head kick. Left hooks are traded in close. Combination from Moreno, he’s game. They trade in close again, Figueiredo needs to go back to the body. Figueiredo lands a left hook, Moreno’s chin is incredible. Some lefts from Moreno, Figueiredo tries a front kick but that hits the groin badly and we’ve got time out for Moreno. Moreno is wretching on his knees for a bit. The kick was bad enough the ref takes a point from Figueiredo on the restart after about 2 minutes. Both men swinging again. Figueiredo coming forward again. Single leg from Figueiredo, he gets Moreno down and starts looking to pass. Moreno back up, Figueiredo with a front headlock and they break. Left from Figueiredo. Moreno lands an overhand right, Figueiredo just eats it. Left hook from Moreno, he avoids some Figueiredo offense to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Moreno after the point deduction, 28-28 DRAW overall

ROUND FOUR: Figueiredo coming forward, lands a knee to the body. Moreno with a jab. They trade jabs. More left hand work from both men, Figueiredo is getting the better of this. Moreno with a right, they trade in close. Left from Moreno. Figueiredo blocks a high kick but he’s a little wobbled. Bit of a right from Figueiredo, they clinch and Moreno gets a takedown into half guard along the fence. Figueiredo is looking to wall walk, he’s up and lands a right hook. Body shots then a left hook from Figueiredo. Figueiredo lands an uppercut, Moreno’s chin is seriously not human. Moreno avoids a few elbows, lands a one two and we get a brawl. Both men land punches in the pocket, this is crazy. Jab from Figueiredo off balances Moreno. Right from Figueiredo, Moreno responds with punches again. Another right from Figueiredo. Stiff jab from Moreno. Both men land jabs. Body shots from Figueiredo then a right to the head, Moreno doesn’t like that and gets a takedown into half guard. Elbows from the back from Figueiredo. Moreno lands a left, Figueiredo kicks him off and they start trading again but neither man goes down. Moreno coming forward as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Moreno, 38-37 Moreno overall

ROUND FIVE: Figueiredo trying to press forward again. High kick from Figueiredo is blocked, then he lands one to the body. Another body kick from Figueiredo but Moreno is the one coming forward. Punches from Figueiredo, he wobbled Moreno a bit there. Glancing left from Figueiredo. Moreno avoids a left. There’s a big swelling on the left forearm of Moreno, that arm might be busted. Bit of a left from Figueiredo. Body kick from Figueiredo. Both men land lefts. They trade in close again. Moreno eats a body shot and slips trying to counter but Figueiredo can’t capitalize. Figueiredo lands a left. A few lefts from Moreno but that hand/arm is hurt. Moreno lands a right, they clinch up on the fence. Whizzer kick from Figueiredo, he slams home hammer fists and punches on the grounded Moreno as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Figueiredo, 47-47 DRAW overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – DRAW, majority (47-46 Figueiredo, 47-47 x2)

Run that back, that was an awesome fight. Figueiredo keeps the belt on a draw, and I seriously want a rematch when both men have full camps to prepare for each other. The point deduction plays a big role, but that was a late entry into Fight of the Year discussion.

Moreno gets mic time first, Rogan asks about his left arm and he doesn’t think it’s broken it’s more his shoulder than the forearm as he jabbed a lot but doesn’t think it’s a bone break. He thinks the fight was close, but has no complaints about the scoring and hopes to get back into the gym after the holidays. He feels happy even though he didn’t get the belt, he can’t wait to be with his family again and then tells everyone to watch out for his next fight. Asked about an immediate rematch he wants it for himself, Figueiredo, and the fans. He thanks everyone again to close.

Figueiredo on the mic now, Rogan thanks him for the fight (ditto). We’ve got some feedback on the headset, so my apologies if I miss stuff. He says he felt like a champion in every round and thinks he did enough to win, he hopes everyone liked the fight then thanks his coaches. Asked about the point deduction he thinks the ref did his job and isn’t going to comment beyond that, then notes he usually gets finishes but does hope the fans liked the 5 rounds and mentioned he had food poisoning, if true that makes this fight even more incredible. Speaking only for myself, YES. Asked next about a possible immediate rematch he’s willing if the UFC puts him in front of him again, and talks about making weight on a truncated schedule. He wants to spend time with his family next, but is going to be back. Rogan thanks him again for the fight, he thanks people to close.

On that note, UFC 256 comes to a close. Heck of a PPV main card, not the sexiest on paper to the casual audience but I challenge anyone to not have gotten their money’s worth out of that. The UFC isn’t done with 2020 yet, they’ll be back next week for a 15(!) fight card to actually close the year. I’ll break down this event and preview that one tomorrow on the Ground and Pound Podcast, plus I’ll be back again to cover that event. Until next time everyone, stay safe out there, enjoy the holidays, and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.

More Trending Stories

article topics :

UFC 256, Robert Winfree

More Stories

loading